Building houses in Mexico

Building Houses in Mexico

Page 1 of 2

Fourteen members of our church began their mission trip to Rocky Point, Mexico at 6:00 AM on Thursday November 9, 2006. We were joining 517 other church people from the Tucson area to build houses through the Amor Ministry program and Pantano Christian Church.

We arrived at noon, set up camp and then headed to the building site to begin construction of a 11' x 22' house. Before the building team of 30 began working we met the Camacho Lopez family who would have a new home in 2 days. Our work began with hand mixing the cement and pouring the floor. While that was going on the walls and roof were being framed. Friday we constructed the house, set the doors and windows and applied the first coat of stucco.

Returning Saturday morning we applied the second coat of stucco and completed the house. We had accomplished our mission and were amazed how well everything was organized and the ease at which all the team participated in the process. Before leaving the building site the keys were given to Margarita, the new homeowner. This event was the reason we went to Rocky Point. It was a very spiritual moment for everyone knowing what we had done. We also felt that our efforts rippled out into the neighborhood. As we worked young children wanted to help and other people would stop by to watch the activity. Also as we drove into the area in the morning and went back to the campground at night people would be waving as we passed.

Saturday evening all 531 were on the Sea of Cortez beach for music around a camp fire. We all returned Sunday morning to the beach for a worship service and communion. After the service we packed up to drive back to Tucson. We left behind 12 new houses and hope for the future.

This experience changed our lives.

St. Andrew's mission trip team members:
Walter Coe
Scott Fiore
Bob, Marianne and Timothy Hadden
Steve and Judy Herzog
Clint and Myra Jacobs
Kevin, Susie, Nathan and Danielle Oxnam
Michael Thompson